Capral and Rio Tinto Pioneering Aluminum Recycling in Australia

Innovative Recycled Billet Trial at Boyne Smelter

Capral Ltd., a leading aluminum extrusions producer in Australia, has partnered with Rio Tinto to trial aluminum billets made with recycled content at Boyne Smelter in Queensland. These billets contain at least 20% recycled content, sourced from Capral’s postproduction aluminum scrap. As a result, this recycled material helps reduce the carbon footprint of the aluminum production process. The primary goal of this collaboration is to integrate more sustainable materials into Capral’s supply chain, thereby further reducing the environmental impact of its aluminum products. The billets are processed at Capral’s Bremer Park extrusion plant, where scrap aluminum is remelted and cast into new billets.

Advancing Circular Economy and Local Recycling

Capral is committed to increasing the recycled content in its products. By blending postproduction recycled scrap with virgin aluminum, Capral produces high-quality billets that meet the stringent standards required by industries like construction and transportation. Moreover, this closed-loop recycling process minimizes waste and reduces the carbon intensity of aluminum extrusions, highlighting Capral’s strong commitment to a circular economy.

Luke Hawkins, Capral’s representative, emphasized the importance of local recycling in this process. Currently, most of Capral’s scrap is sent overseas for processing, which often results in the material being used in different products. In contrast, Capral’s ultimate goal is to recycle all its scrap locally. By doing so, the company aims to create a more sustainable and circular supply chain within Australia’s aluminum industry.

Global Recycling Efforts by Rio Tinto

Beyond its work in Australia, Rio Tinto is also advancing aluminum recycling efforts globally. For instance, the company has invested in Matalco, a Canadian recycled-content aluminum producer, by acquiring a 50% stake. Furthermore, Rio Tinto is building a recycled-content furnace in Québec, Canada. These initiatives are part of Rio Tinto’s broader strategy to reduce its environmental impact while providing more sustainable aluminum to the market.